Samoan duo can play together, claims Aston

James Collins
Rugby League

SHEFFIELD Eagles coach Mark Aston has dismissed suggestions it may be a problem in fitting both his Samoan stars in the team.

Misi Taulapapa started at full back in the win at Workington but was moved to loose forward when Quentin Laulu-Togagae was brought off the bench.

The pair have been rivals for the number one shirt in internationals for Samoa in recent years.

“Q (Laulu-Togagae) and Misi – never a problem,” said Aston. “It doesn’t matter what number some players wear, Misi can be a full back, a winger, a centre and at Workington I played him at loose-forward for a spell. It won’t be a problem and when we get on the hard grounds those two will be a joy to watch.”

Aston added: “Workington’s a heavy pitch and Q’s a bit of a ‘dancer’ but when he came on he looked dangerous in conditions that weren’t for him.”

The two are likely to be in the 17 to face Northern Rail Cup holders Leigh Centurions in the first home game of the season at Don Valley Stadium on Sunday. Aston hinted at minimal changes from the team that struggled to get going in the 28-14 win at Workington in the opening group game of the competition.

“There are people who didn’t aim up at Town and there are people who I want to give a bit of time to have a look at,” said Aston.

“I will pick the team that deserves to play (against Leigh) and there might be changes but there might not. It might be that we keep it for two weeks and then make the changes.”